Obituary of Richard J. Lamberson

"A Great Guy" Allegany, NY Richard J. "Rick" Lamberson of 124 N. 2nd. St. passed away Saturday (June 4, 2016) at Olean General Hospital. Born August 4, 1955 in Norwich, NY he was the son of Bob and Kate Lamberson. On September 22, 1990 Rick married Elaine Bell at Christ United Methodist Church in Olean. Rick graduated from Allegany Central School. He also attended OBI, and Oneonta University. Rick worked his way up through the ranks, retiring as foreman of Facilities Management at Niagara Mohawk/National Grid in 2011. He belonged to IBEW Local 97. Rick also had a lengthy political career starting in Olean as an alderman. After moving to Allegany he was a village trustee. Then in March of 1999 he became Mayor of the Village of Allegany. Rick proudly served the Village of Allegany as Mayor for 16 years. During this time he was elected as a Cattaraugus County Legislator, a position he enjoyed for 5 years. He loved hunting, fishing, bird watching, gardening, the music channels, especially Solid Gold Oldies, making soup, sweets, Freecell, and the company of his dogs Gus and ZuZu. Rick was the proud father to his son, Ryan and his daughter Erica and was the epitome of a great guy. He was selfless to a fault, never too busy to lend a hand and was always offering up his service. He was the most quick-witted, intelligent, and funny man you could know as well as personable, clever, and honest. We are all better for having known him and he will be forever missed. Surviving besides his wife and son are two sisters, George-Ann Beliles Lamberson and Sally-Jo Lamberson, both of Allegany, a brother John (Lori) Lamberson of Friendship, and brothers-in-law Steve Mikolajczyk of Portville, and Craig Bell of California. He was also very close with his Father-in-law Clyde Tom Bell of Allegany. He had numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, two beloved aunts, and countless friends. He was predeceased by his beloved daughter Erica, his parents, a sister Bobbie-Kay Mikolajczyk, and a brother Joseph Lamberson. A memorial visitation will be held on Wednesday from 1-4 & 7-9pm at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home 3128 W. State Rd. Olean. Services will be Thursday (June 9, 2016) at noon at Christ United Methodist Church, 633 Linwood Ave. in Olean. Rev. Suzanne Block, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you be like Rick and give a helping hand to someone in need. Online condolences may be expressed at oleanfuneralhome.com.